ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has achieved a new cargo volume record at its state-owned public marine terminals, handling 11.6 million tons of general cargo during the 2023 fiscal year. The milestone surpasses the previous record of 11 million tons set during fiscal year 2019 – the year before the international maritime industry experienced worldwide pandemic-related impacts.
“The Port of Baltimore continues to show its strength as an economic engine, and continues to show why Maryland’s reputation for outstanding workers and a tremendous business climate is so well founded,”
said Gov. Moore. “This impressive milestone is a testament to the people who make up our longshore labor force, and to our partners in the maritime industry.”
While the general cargo record was achieved in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the port continues to show strong performance across several categories and key commodities. So far this calendar year, when compared to record 2022 performances, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery coming through the port is up 28%, container volumes are up 7%, and general cargo is up 5%.
“With our tremendous team, incredible infrastructure and outstanding logistics, the Port of Baltimore is showing the world how to bring goods to market safely, reliably and with the highest customer service,”
said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Maryland’s port, combined with our rail, tunnel, bridge and highway network, can deliver to markets up and down the East Coast and deep into the Midwest.”
Along with its continuing cargo success, the port welcomed a new cruise operator this month – Norwegian Cruise Line – to begin a fall and winter sailing schedule. Norwegian joins Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, which both offer year-round cruises from Maryland to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, New England and Canada.
Maryland’s Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs, with nearly 140,000 jobs overall linked to port activities. The port ranks first among the nation’s ports for volume of autos and light trucks, roll on/roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, and imported gypsum. It ranks 11th among major U.S. ports for foreign cargo handled and ninth for total foreign cargo value. The port is responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in personal wages and salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenues and $395 million in state and local tax revenues annually.